Galaxy rallies to send Beckham off in style

CARSON – David Beckham walked off the field as a member of the Galaxy for the last time in the late stages of Saturday's MLS Cup championship, his assignment for the game and the team having been accomplished.

Beckham, who had announced Saturday would be his final game with the Galaxy, was replaced by substitute Marcelo Sarvas with the team moments away from its fourth MLS Cup and second in a row.

Beckham received hugs from his teammates, a loud ovation from the crowd, and then he waited for the referee to signal the end to the 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in front of 30,510 at The Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy overcame a first-half deficit, scoring three goals in the second half to send Beckham off a champion.

As the final whistle was blown and the celebration commenced, Galaxy fans chanted: "Thank you Beckham."

"This was always going to be an emotional day, win or lose," Beckham said. "I've been here for six years. This is a special place and will continue to be a special place for me. I'm happy to be wearing this uniform and to have been part of this club.

"When I came here, my commitment was to the league and the Galaxy. I hope I brought a little bit of interest to the game."

Beckham isn't retiring from the game, saying that he has "another challenge inside" of him. He joined the Galaxy in the middle of the 2007 season as the league's first Designated Player, forever changing the outlook of one of the league's prominent franchises.

Things weren't always smooth between him and the Galaxy fans. Many, including some of his teammates, questioned his commitment as he sought out loan deals to join AC Milan in hopes of staying fit to make England's 2010 World Cup squad.

In the 2009 and 2010 MLS seasons, Beckham played in just 18 games. However, he came back in 2011 with a renewed focus and helped lead the club to last year's MLS Cup.

"It meant a lot to me the way the people here (in the United States) treated not only me but my family," Beckham said. "I will never forget it. I might be English, but I'm proud to have been part of this country. ... It has been a successful six years."

With the Galaxy trailing 1-0, Omar Gonzalez, who was selected MVP of the final, scored the equalizer on a header from a Juninho cross.

Landon Donovan, who is unsure of his future, scored what proved to the clinching goal when he put home a penalty kick in the 65th minute. Robbie Keane put the finishing touches on the victory when he scored a penalty kick in the 94th minute.

Donovan has talked about needing a break from the game, whether that means from club competition or the U.S. National team, or perhaps both, still remains to be seen.

"I haven't made a decision," Donovan said. "It has been a long two years for all of us. I don't want to make this a woe is me story, but my gut says it may be time to get away for a moment."